Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
The Earl of Essex | |
|---|---|
Portrait after Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger | |
| Tenure | 1576–1601 |
| Predecessor | Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex |
| Successor | Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex |
| Born | 10 November 1565 Netherwood, Herefordshire, England |
| Died | 25 February 1601 (aged 35) Tower Green, London, England |
| Cause of death | Execution by beheading |
| Buried | Church of St Peter ad Vincula, London |
| Residence | Essex House, London Merevale Hall, Warwickshire |
| Wars and battles | Dutch revolt Spanish Armada English Armada Capture of Cádiz Azores expedition, 1597 Irish Nine Years' War |
| Offices | Master of the Horse Privy Councillor Earl Marshal Master-General of the Ordnance Lord Lieutenant of Ireland |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Issue | Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex Dorothy Devereux Frances Seymour, Duchess of Somerset Sir Walter Devereux (illegitimate) |
| Parents | Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex Lettice Knollys |
| Signature | |
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex (/ˈdɛvəˌruː/; 10 November 1565 – 25 February 1601) was an English nobleman and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Politically ambitious, he was placed under house arrest following a poor campaign in Ireland during the Nine Years' War in 1599. In 1601, he led an abortive coup d'état against the government of Elizabeth I and was executed for treason.